New York Launches $33M Hybrid-Electric Harbor Ferry

New York City has introduced its first hybrid-electric ferry, the Harbor Charger, which began service in August 2025, replacing a diesel-powered vessel in operation since 1956. The $33 million ferry, capable of carrying up to 1,200 passengers and 30 vehicles, uses Siemens Energy's BlueDrive Eco diesel-electric system combined with a large battery system, enabling partial or full electric operation and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 600 tons annually, with potential savings increasing once shoreside fast-charging stations are installed. This new ferry offers faster crossings and improved maneuverability with 360-degree steering, significantly cutting fuel costs and air pollution. In parallel, Washington State Ferries is advancing toward a zero-emission fleet by commissioning new hybrid-electric ferries designed for larger capacities and higher efficiency, supported by technology from ABB and conversion of existing vessels like the Wenatchee. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation is investing nearly $3 million in the San Francisco Bay Area to support electric ferry infrastructure and vessel construction, aiming for electric ferries to be operational by 2027. These developments reflect a nationwide push to modernize marine transportation with cleaner, more sustainable technology.